A new prospect is now available to shape the future of iconic clothing brands. This role is ideally suited to someone with a passion for brand storytelling and is proud to represent Australia's pioneering history. This pivotal role reports to the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for shaping the seasonal product strategy for apparel, footwear and accessories, overseeing end-to-end planning and execution, and ensuring the range aligns with both brand vision and financial goals.
Success in this position will be measured by your ability to translate brand's heritage and values into commercially successful, strategically curated product ranges. You will balance creative direction with commercial viability, ensuring each collection meets market needs, drives revenue, and reinforces the brand's unique identity. Ultimately, success means creating products that perform in the market, strengthen brand positioning, and fuel sustainable business growth.
Key responsibilities
- Translate customer insights, market trends, and sales data into a clear strategic direction, aligned with overarching brand and business objectives.
- Lead the development of the product strategy in collaboration with the leadership team, ensuring it meets commercial and brand goals.
- Plan and merchandise the range to deliver a well-balanced assortment that aligns with strategy, cost targets, and campaign objectives.
- Own the product brief process end-to-end, clearly defining commercial goals, timelines, and cross-functional requirements.
- Partner with Design, Marketing, Finance, and Inventory teams to ensure product direction is aligned, executable, and financially viable.
- Oversee the full design, development, and production process for Apparel, Footwear, and Accessories including both FOB and CMT models managing critical path, scheduling, and quality control.
- Build strong supplier and sourcing strategies that meet ethical, sustainability, and commercial standards, while supporting long-term business goals.
- Lead merchandise planning, logistics and inventory management across core and seasonal ranges for wholesale, e-commerce, and retail channels in Australia and internationally.
- Manage reporting and analysis for the COO, Board, and key stakeholders, delivering data-driven insights on product performance, margin, and market responsiveness.
- Build and develop a high-performing, collaborative product team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
What we're looking for
- Minimum 15 years of experience in the apparel industry.
- Specific experience in manufacturing and design/development within the apparel industry is required.
- Proven leadership in range planning, product design, development, production and logistics.
- Demonstrated experience leading large teams of 16 or more people at a senior management level.
- A record of supporting and developing capable, committed and collaborative team members.
- Strong commercial mindset, balancing brand vision with sales and profit targets.
- Experience driving the Open to Buy process and delivering on gross margin goals.
- Extensive hands-on experience with Open to Buy process implementation and management is essential for this role.
- Experience with AP21 systems would be an advantage.
- Strong background in manufacturing, sourcing, and buying within the apparel fashion, footwear, and accessory industry.
- Experience in manufacturing with a range of materials including leather, cotton, waxed cotton, linen, wool, and silk.
- Exceptional cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
- Highly analytical and detail-oriented with strong data management and reporting expertise.
About S.Kidman
With a combined legacy of 240 years in the apparel industry, the quality and durability of Driza-Bone and Rossi Boots go above and beyond to meet the uncompromising standards of protection, and comfort required by individuals who choose our products.
S. Kidman & Co, established in 1899, has recently become the custodian of these brands and aims to expand the product offering and grow recognition for its authentic heritage and pioneering spirit around the world.
We strongly encourage Australian Defence Force veterans to apply.
Additional Information
Please note: You must have the right to live and work in Australia. This is a permanent position and not available to Working Holiday Visa holders (backpackers), nor do we offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.
📌 Head of Product
🏢 S. Kidman Clothing
📍 Melbourne